Big Dates, Dads, and the Future of Humans on Earth
If you know me very well at all, you know I love and admire my father, Don Smith. You also know how much I love West Virginia. You also likely know that I care deeply about racial reconciliation and love the hopeful Christian vision that multitudes “from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages” will gather in white robes to worship the Lamb who is worthy. That’s our future, and every time we line up our lives with that blessed hope and Kingdom culture, we do well.
I wrote about those three things (Father’s Day, Juneteenth, and WV Day), centering on my experience with my dad, in this short essay. Feel free to give it a read. It informs the heart behind three of my books especially, The Found Boys, and the two (so far) Jack Zulu books I wrote with my son.
On top of those other important dates, this one is very special. My wife Gina and I were married on June 17, 2000. Today marks our twenty-fifth anniversary! We celebrated earlier in the year with a trip to Northern Ireland (picture above).
A few days ago we witnessed our niece getting married and it was a sweet reminder of our vows and the profound blessings of matrimony. I am so grateful for Gina Smith, this woman who took my heart and my name and gave me children and a lifelong loyal love. She is more beautiful than ever and I thank God for her!
Speaking Update
This weekend I’ll be speaking in my beautiful home state at the Re-enchanting the World Conference in Logan.
Add West Virginia to Your Summer Reading List
In honor of West Virginia Day (June 20), we’ve got a deal on these books set in West Virginia: Jack Zulu series and The Found Boys.
Jack Zulu and the Waylander’s Key: This fantastical journey launches in rural West Virginia in the eighties, with a half-Appalachian, half-African kid trying to escape the town he sees defining his small, sad life. Jack discovers a gate hiding a city between twelve realms, and finds out where he truly belongs in a surprising, satisfying adventure.
The Found Boys: The mission was supposed to be fun—even funny—but things got serious quick. What follows is a daring journey with narrow escapes, attack dogs, deadly fires, and a friendship forged in shared peril.
Add Jack Zulu and The Found Boys to your cart at the Story Warren Store (includes audiobooks & JZ t-shirt) and get 15% off using code READWV. Ends Saturday, June 21.
I hope you are, with your treasure in heaven, putting down roots somewhere, or growing in the ones you’ve got. I hope you are loving your neighbor. I hope you are either grateful for your father, and/or are leaning into the love and welcome you have as a child of God.
I’m on your side,
Sam
I love this prayer, from the Book of Common Prayer (2019):
O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you; bring the nations into your fold; pour out your Spirit upon all flesh; and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
